Watercraft mooring and docking system

ABSTRACT

A system, method, and device for docking and mooring a watercraft are disclosed. The exemplary device may have a ferrous material or an electromagnetic generator coupled to the watercraft, including a ferrous-hulled watercraft. The device may also have an electromagnetic generator coupled to the dock for selectively generating a magnetic field to attract or oppose a magnetic force field created by the on-board electromagnetic generator. A control device may be used to activate the electromagnetic generators. A communication device may be used to communicate with the control device to activate the electromagnetic generator.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. Patent Application No. 60/727,295filed Oct. 17, 2005 entitled “Watercraft Mooring and Docking System”,which is incorporated fully herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to mooring and docking systems forwatercraft and more particularly, relates to mooring and docking systemsusing magnetic couplings for watercraft.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

To load and unload watercraft the vessels may need to be positionedalongside a dock. In addition, when not in use watercraft may need to bestored in a stationary location alongside a dock or other stationarymooring faculty. Many watercrafts have limited maneuverability. When inopen water the reduced maneuverability does not present a problem.However, when a watercraft is preparing to dock alongside a dock, thelimited maneuverability may make it difficult for the captain of thewatercraft to position the watercraft next to the dock. The captain maynot position the watercraft close enough to the dock, preventing thewatercraft from being able to dock. The captain may steer the watercrafttoo close to the dock causing the watercraft to hit the dock, which mayresult in damage to either the watercraft or the dock.

When the watercraft is docked, wind, waves and tides may cause thewatercraft to rub against and hit the dock. Bumpers are often used toreduce damage caused by the motion of the boat hitting against the dock.This continuous rubbing or hitting often causes damage to the hull ofthe watercraft. Even when bumpers are properly placed between thewatercraft and dock, the contact may still rub the paint and outersurface of the hull of the watercraft.

Docking and mooring facilities may also need a system for activation ofthe docking system. The facility may need an automated system fordetermining when a watercraft is docking. The system may need to providethe captain with a method of communicating to the docking facility andactivating the docking system without placing additional burdens on thefacility personnel. The system may also need to keep records of who isusing the docking facilities. The records may be used to determine ifthe watercraft is an authorized user or may be used to debit an accountassociated with the watercraft for use of the docking system.

Accordingly, a need exists for a device, method, and system for dockingand mooring a watercraft. The attributes may need to provide a dockingand mooring system that prevents damage due to contact between the dockand watercraft during storage of the watercraft alongside the dock. Theattributes also may need to provide docking facilities with the abilityto account for docking facility use and prevent unauthorized use withoutplacing additional demands on facility personnel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will bebetter understood by reading the following detailed description, takentogether with the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1A is a top view illustrative diagram of an exemplary dockingsystem embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a top view illustrative diagram of an exemplary mooringsystem embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an end view illustrative diagram of an exemplary adjustabledocking and mooring system embodiment according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of an exemplary docking process embodimentaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an exemplary mooring process embodimentaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an exemplary docking activation processembodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a top view illustrative diagram of an second exemplarydocking system embodiment in a docking position according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 6B is a top view illustrative diagram of the second exemplarydocking system embodiment in a mooring position according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary docking assisting deviceembodiment according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1A, the docking facility 100 may have a dock 102 withat least one side abutting the water. The side abutting the waterprovides adequate space for a watercraft 104 to be positioned adjacentto the dock 102. The dock 102 has one or more electromagnetic generators106 positioned along the side of the dock 102 abutting the water.

The electromagnetic generators 106 may be constructed in a variety ofmanners. One exemplary method of construction has a ferrous core withmultiple coils of wire surrounding the core. When power is supplied tothe wire, a magnetic field is generated from the core. When power is notsupplied to the wire, little to no magnetic field is generated. Theelectromagnetic generators 106 may be covered with a protective shell orcoating to prevent damage to the watercraft hull or penetration of waterand other environmental contaminates into the electromagnetic generators106. The electromagnetic generators may also be an integral part ofdockside mounted docking pads.

A controller (not shown) is used to selectively provide power to theelectromagnetic generators 106. The controller may provide power byactivating a relay switch or using a combination of other communicationdevices to cause the controller to activate and provide power. Thecontroller may also adjust the strength of the magnetic field as thewatercraft approaches the dock 102. For example, the magnetic fieldgenerated may be decreased as a sensor (not shown) determines theapproach of the watercraft. Greater detail regarding various methods anddevices used to activate the controller will be described later herein.

A second magnetic device 108 is coupled to the watercraft 104. Themagnetic device 108 may be a ferrous material. The ferrous material maybe the hull of the watercraft 104 or located within the hull of thewatercraft 104. In another exemplary method of construction the ferrousmaterial may also be coupled to the outside of the watercraft 104. Inyet another exemplary method of construction the magnetic device 108 mayalso be an electromagnetic generator.

The watercraft 104 pulls up along side the dock 102 under the power ofthe watercraft's engines. The watercraft 104 is positioned a safedistance from the dock 102 allowing the captain adequate maneuverabilityof the watercraft 104 without jeopardizing hitting the watercraft 104against the dock 102. The captain communicates to the docking facility100 to activate the docking system, as will be described later ingreater detail herein. The controller supplies power to theelectromagnetic generators 106 coupled to the dock 102.

The electromagnetic generators 106 produce a magnetic field thatattracts the magnetic device 108 coupled to the watercraft 104. Themagnetic device 108 and watercraft 104 are pulled towards the dock 102.The controller may regulate the magnetic field produced by the magneticdevice 108. For example, as the watercraft 104 approaches the dock 102the electromagnetic generator 106 or the magnetic device 108 may reducethe strength of the field to reduce the impact of the watercraft 104from hitting the dock 102. Additional proximity sensors may be used toallow the controller to determine distances of separation between thewatercraft 104 and the dock 102. The controller may then adjust thestrength of the magnetic field or reverse the polarity based on theproximity of the watercraft 104. Once the watercraft 104 reaches thedock 102, the electromagnetic generators 106 may maintain the magneticfield to maintain the watercraft's position. The watercraft 104 may alsobe coupled to the dock 102 using convention mechanical couplings, forexample, ropes, elastic cords, or other coupling devices. According toone exemplary embodiment, once the watercraft 104 is coupled to the dock102 with conventional coupling devices the electromagnetic generator 106may be deactivated.

The docking facility 100 provides a docking system that reduces thedemands of the captain to precisely position the watercraft 104 next tothe dock 102. This reduces the risk of hitting the watercraft 104against the dock 102 and causing damage to the dock 102, watercraft 104,or passengers and cargo onboard the watercraft 104.

Referring to FIG. 1B, the docking facility 100 b may also be used toprovide mooring of a watercraft 104 b. The docking facility 100 b has adock 102 b with at least one side abutting the water. The side abuttingwater provides adequate space for a watercraft 104 b to be positionedadjacent to the dock 102 b. The dock 102 b has one or moreelectromagnetic generators 106 b positioned along the side of the dock102 b similar to those previously described. The watercraft 104 b has amagnetic device 108 b coupled to the hull of the watercraft 104 b. Oncethe watercraft 104 b is positioned next to the dock 102 b, mechanicalcouplings are put in place securing the watercraft 104 b to the dock 102b.

The electromagnetic generators 106 b are activated to produce arepulsive force pushing the magnetic device 108 b coupled to thewatercraft 104 b away from the electromagnetic generators 106 b of thedock 102 b. The mechanical couplings hold the watercraft 104 b near thedock 102 b and prevent the watercraft 104 b from being completely pushedaway from the dock 102 b. The repulsive forces prevent the wind, waves,and tidal flows from causing the watercraft 104 b to hit and rub againstthe dock 102 b.

The electromagnetic generators on the watercraft in conjunction with theelectromagnetic generators or electromagnetic docking pads on the dockcan be activated in any combination of strengths and polarities. Forinstance, the watercraft electromagnet may be polarized in a positivefield while the dock electromagnets are activated in a negative field orvise versa to attract the two devices. In another instance both thewatercraft electromagnet and the dock electromagnet can be activated inlike fields to repel one another. Both the dock electromagnet and thewatercraft electromagnet may be activated at maximum or minimumattractive or repulsive field modes or any combination thereof.

Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary adjustable docking and mooring system200 allows the electromagnetic generator 206 to be positioned near themagnetic device 208 of the watercraft 204. A track 212 coupled to a dock202 allows the electromagnetic generator 208 to move in a verticaldirection, as shown by the arrow. The docking and mooring system may usea variety of systems to position the electromagnetic generator 210. Forexample, the pull of the electromagnetic generator 210 to the watercraft204 may also be used to position the electromagnetic generator 210 in avertical direction along the track 212. Another system may use a ballastsystem or motors and sensors to maintain the electromagnetic generator206 in a vertical direction. The vertical position may also bemaintained using a floating device to keep the electromagnetic generator206 a fixed distance above the surface of the water.

In addition to positioning the electromagnetic generator 206 in avertical direction, the electromagnetic generator 206 may pivot about apivot axis 210 to allow the electromagnetic generator 206 to bepositioned in the direction of the magnetic device 208 of the watercraft204. Similarly, the pull of the electromagnetic generator 206 to thewatercraft 204 may also be used to position the electromagneticgenerator 206 in a direction of the watercraft 204 about the pivot axis210. Another system may also use a ballast system or motors and sensorsto maintain the electromagnetic generator 206 about the pivot axis 210.

Referring to FIG. 3, a flow chart of an exemplary docking process isprovided for the docking and mooring system. The docking process isinitiated when the watercraft approaches the dock (block 302). Thecaptain positions the watercraft a predetermined distance from the dock(block 304). This predetermined distance may be defined by the strengthof the electromagnetic system as well as the size of the watercraft. Thepredetermined distance may be a safe distance from the dock and providesthe captain with a range of distances from the dock. The captaincommunicates to the system and activates the system (block 306). Thesystem and process of communicating and activating the system will bedescribed in greater detail later herein. The electromagnetic generatorgenerates the electromagnetic field (block 308). The magnetic device mayalso be an electromagnetic generator, which will also be activated togenerate an electromagnetic field. The watercraft is pulled next to thedock by the attractive forces of the electromagnetic field.

Once the unloading and loading of the watercraft is complete, thecaptain of the watercraft may disembark from the dock. The captaincommunicates to the system and deactivates the system (block 310). Thewatercraft may move away from the dock under the vessel's own propulsionsystem. The electromagnetic generator may also be used to generaterepulsive forces to push the watercraft away from the dock to aid in thedisembarking of the watercraft. The watercraft is safely removed fromthe docking facility (block 312) and the docking process is complete(Block 314).

Referring to FIG. 4, a flow chart of an exemplary mooring process 400 isshown. The mooring process is initiated (block 402). The captainpositions the watercraft next to the dock and activates the device(block 404). The watercraft may be positioned using an electromagneticfield to pull the watercraft into a position adjacent to the dock (block406). Mechanically fastens may be used to couple the watercraft to thedock (block 408). The captain communicates to the system and activatesthe mooring system (block 410). The electromagnetic generator generatesthe electromagnetic field that repels the magnetic device of thewatercraft (block 412). The mechanical fasteners prevent the watercraftfrom floating away from the docking or mooring facility. The repulsiveforces prevent the wind, waves, and tidal flows from causing thewatercraft to hit and rub against the dock. The captain may communicateto the system and may activate the system to pull the vessel against theelectromagnetic docking pads (block 414). The mechanical fasteners areremoved from the watercraft (block 416). The captain communicates to thesystem and either deactivates the system to manually depart from thedockside or reverses the electromagnetic field to repel the vessel fromthe dock (block 418). The watercraft disembarks from the dockingfacility (block 420) and the mooring process is complete (Block 422).

Referring to FIG. 5, a flow chart of an exemplary docking activationprocess 500 is shown. The docking activation process is initiated whenthe watercraft approaches the dock (block 502). The captain positionsthe watercraft a predetermined distance from the dock (block 504). Thecaptain places a cell phone call to an automated answering system of thedocking facility (block 506). A single telephone number may be used toaccess all available docking spaces of the docking facility. The captainenters an identification number specific to a desired docking location(block 508). The identification number may be posted next to the dock ordetermined by the captain using other methods. An account associatedwith the vessel or captain is debited or authorized for the use of thedocking space (block 510). For example, the captain may be a member ofthe club and authorized to use any of the club's available spaces. Inanother example, the captain may pay a specified amount for each use ofthe docking facility or the amount of time used at the docking facility.The docking system is activated and docking or mooring procedures arefollowed as previously discussed herein (block 512). The dockingactivation process is completed (block 514).

The activation process is not limited to the above process. Otherdevices and systems may be used to activate the docking process. Forexample, a Radio Frequency Identification tag (RFID) may be used toinitiate and activate the docking/mooring process. In this example, theRFID tag may be used to identify the account and an additional radiofrequency may be used to activate and deactivate the docking/mooringsystem. The captain may transmit the additional radio frequency bypressing a keypad on the watercraft. Other wireless communicationdevices in addition to radio frequency may also be used to activate anddeactivate the docking/mooring process.

Referring to FIG. 6A, the docking facility 600 may have a dock 602 withat least one side abutting the water. The side abutting the waterprovides adequate space for a watercraft 604 to be positioned adjacentto the dock 602. The dock 602 has one or more electromagnetic generators606 positioned along the side of the dock 602 abutting the water.

The electromagnetic generators 606 may be constructed in a variety ofmanners as previously discussed with regard to the first exemplaryembodiment. The electromagnetic generators may be an integral part ofdocking pads that are removably coupled to the dock 602. Theelectromagnetic generators 106 may be coupled to the dock 602 viaextensions that allow the electromagnetic generators 606 to be movedfrom a retrieving position shown in FIG. 6A to a docking position shownin FIG. 6B. The extensions may be, for example, a cable 612 and a spring614. The spring pushes the electromagnetic generators 606 into aretrieving position. Once the electromagnetic generators 606 and asecond magnetic device 108 of the watercraft 604 are coupled, apositioning device 616 retracts the cable 612 pulling the watercraft 604to a docking position.

The extension is not limited to the cable 612 and the spring 614. Theextension may be a variety of other devices that may position theelectromagnetic generators 606 next to the second magnet 608 of thewatercraft 604. For example, the extension may be a telescoping rod. Thetelescoping rod may be hinged and have a position system in a controller(not shown) that automatically locates the second magnet 608 and movesthe electromagnetic generators 606 next to the second magnet 608. Theextension may also incorporate floating or ballasting devices that maybe used to position the electromagnetic generators 606 within the water.

The controller is used to selectively provide power to theelectromagnetic generators 606 as previously discussed with regard tothe first exemplary embodiment. The watercraft 604 pulls up along sidethe dock 602 under the power of the watercraft's engines. The watercraft604 is positioned a safe distance from the dock 602 allowing the captainadequate maneuverability of the watercraft 604 without jeopardizinghitting the watercraft 604 against the dock 602. The captaincommunicates to the docking facility 600 to activate the docking system.The controller supplies power to the electromagnetic generators 606coupled to the dock 602.

The controller retracts the extension from a receiving position to adocking position. The magnetic device 608 and watercraft 604 are pulledtowards the dock 602. Additional proximity sensors may be used to allowthe controller to determine distances of separation or location of thewatercraft 604. The controller may then adjust the extension to positionthe electromagnetic generators 606 next to the watercraft 604. Once thewatercraft 604 reaches the dock 602, the electromagnetic generators 606may maintain the magnetic field to maintain the watercraft's position.The watercraft 604 may also be coupled to the dock 602 usingconventional mechanical couplings, for example, ropes, elastic cords, orother coupling devices. According to one exemplary embodiment, once thewatercraft 604 is coupled to the dock 602 with conventional couplingdevices the electromagnetic generator 606 may be deactivated.

The docking facility 600 provides a docking system that reduces thedemands of the captain to precisely position the watercraft 604 next tothe dock 602. This reduces the risk of hitting the watercraft 104against the dock 602 and causing damage to the dock 602, watercraft 604,or passengers and cargo onboard the watercraft 604. The docking facility600 is not limited to the configuration illustrated in the exemplaryembodiment, for example, the electromagnetic generators may be coupledto the watercraft 604 and the second magnet 608 may be coupled to thedock 602. In another example, the extensions couple the second magnet608 to the watercraft 604. In this example, the extension may be used toposition the second magnet 608 next to the electromagnetic generators606 coupled directly to the dock 602.

Referring to FIG. 7, a dock stick 700 may be used to position theelectromagnetic generators 606 next to the second magnet 608. The dockstick may have a handle 702 and a strap 704 producing a loop 706. Theuser positions the loop 706 over or around a portion of theelectromagnetic generator 606 and rotates the handle 702, thus coilingthe strap 704 and reducing the size of the loop 706. Once positioned,the handle may be rotated in the opposite direction to open the loop 706and release the electromagnetic generator 606. The dock stick 700 mayalso be used to grab cleats or portions of a dock or a mooring. Thehandle 702 may be sized to allow a user to grab items located away fromthe watercraft and position the watercraft.

Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art areconsidered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is notto be limited except by the following claims.

1. An apparatus for docking a watercraft comprising: a ferrous materialcoupled to the watercraft for generating a magnetic field; anelectromagnet coupled to a dock for selectively generating a magneticfield to attract the ferrous material; a control device for activatingthe electromagnet; and a communication device on the watercraft forcommunicating with the control device to activate the electromagnet. 2.The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: extensions coupling theferrous material to the watercraft wherein the extension move from aretrieving position for magnetically coupling the ferrous material tothe electromagnet to a docking position for watercraft.
 3. The apparatusof claim 1, further comprising: extensions coupling the electromagnet tothe dock wherein the extension move from a retrieving position formagnetically coupling the ferrous material to the electromagnet to adocking position for watercraft.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe ferrous material is the hull of the watercraft.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein the extension comprises a telescoping pole on a hingedjoint.
 6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the extension comprises aspring and a cable coupling the electromagnet to the dock.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 3, further comprising a docking stick wherein thedocking stick comprises a handle and a loop sized to grip a theelectromagnet and move it next to the ferrous material.
 8. An apparatusfor docking a watercraft comprising: a electromagnet coupled to thewatercraft for selectively generating a magnetic field; a ferrousmaterial coupled to a dock for generating a magnetic field to attract orrepel the electromagnet; a control device for activating theelectromagnet; and a communication device on the watercraft forcommunicating with the control device to activate the electromagnet. 9.The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising: extensions coupling theelectromagnet to the watercraft wherein the extension move from aretrieving position for magnetically coupling the ferrous material tothe electromagnet to a docking position for watercraft.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 8, further comprising: extensions coupling theferrous material to the dock wherein the extension move from retrievingposition for magnetically coupling the ferrous material to theelectromagnet to a docking position for watercraft.
 11. The apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein the ferrous material is part of a dock pad.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 9, wherein the extension comprises a telescoping poleon a hinged joint.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the extensioncomprises a spring and a cable coupling the ferrous material to thedock.
 14. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a docking stickwherein the docking stick comprises a handle and a loop sized to gripthe ferrous material and move it next to the electromagnet.
 15. A methodfor docking a watercraft comprising the action of: positioning thewatercraft a predetermined distance from a docking facility;communicating activation of an electromagnet from the watercraft to acontroller of the electromagnet; activating the electromagnet; anddocking the watercraft.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprisingthe action of: extending the electromagnet to a watercraft retrievingposition.
 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising the action of:retracting the electromagnet to a docking position.
 18. The method ofclaim 15, further comprising the action of: extending the electromagnetto a watercraft mooring position.
 19. The method of claim 15, furthercomprising the action of: communicating deactivation of theelectromagnet from the watercraft to the controller; deactivating theelectromagnet; and removing the watercraft from the dock
 20. The methodof claim 15, further comprising the action of: manually positioning theelectromagnet against a magnetic material coupled to the watercraft.